Amanda Martin, MP for Portsmouth North, has backed new Government action to crack down on organised crime gangs exploiting Britain’s high streets through rogue businesses. This action builds on the asks in Amanda’s campaign to tackle Dodgy Shops on local high streets.
The Government has announced a £30 million nationwide crackdown targeting dodgy barber shops, vape stores, mini-marts and sweet shops involved in money laundering. These shops will face raids, closure orders and cash seizures as part of a new drive to clean up Britain’s high streets.
The measures include the creation of a new High Street Organised Crime Unit to coordinate action between the National Crime Agency, police forces, Trading Standards, HMRC and Immigration Enforcement.
The Government will also recruit additional officers to strengthen enforcement activity in hotspot regions, while Trading Standards will receive a cash boost to increase raids, inspections and enforcement action.
The crackdown builds on ‘Operation Machinize’, which has already resulted in hundreds of arrests, thousands of premises visited and millions of pounds in criminal assets seized.
Amanda Martin MP for Portsmouth North said: “People want to feel safe and proud of their local high streets, and honest businesses should not be undercut by organised criminals operating in plain sight.
“For too long, criminal gangs have used rogue businesses to launder money, exploit workers and bring crime into our communities.
“This crackdown sends a clear message that we are taking back our high streets, backing local businesses and driving organised crime out of our communities.”
Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood MP, said: “Criminal gangs have exploited our high streets to launder their dirty money and undercut honest businesses.
“We are hitting back with a nationwide crackdown to shut these fronts down, seize dirty cash and drive organised crime off our high streets and put bosses behind bars.”
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “The New High Street Organised Crime Unit will be welcome news for people across the country. Illegitimate businesses and retail theft are major issues and too often linked to criminal gang activity. Stolen goods are commonly funnelled through illicit supply chains and resold through unscrupulous businesses, helping fund further criminality. This harms businesses, puts colleagues at risk, and pushes up prices for honest shoppers.
“Tackling it requires prioritisation from police and government, and co-ordination and intelligence sharing between retailers, law enforcement, and local partners. We look forward to working together to deliver real progress.”
Ed Woodall, Chief Executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, said: “Local shops tell us that rogue traders on high streets are causing massive damage to their businesses and the wider community, so we strongly welcome this Government action to back responsible retailers and crack down on the organised crime gangs that are fuelling the illicit trade.”
To add your name to ‘Amanda’s Dodgy Shop Campaign’ click here.
